Cosmetic applicator

ABSTRACT

A single-use cosmetic applicator  1  has an applicator body  2  with a front surface  3  and a rear surface  4.  The cosmetic applicator  1  contains a pre-determined quantity of a cosmetic product  5  on only a portion of its front surface  3.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a single-use cosmetic applicator.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Single-use cosmetic applicators, which are supplied with a pre-determined quantity of a cosmetic product, such as make-up, moisturiser, cleanser etc., are known. Such single-use applicators are manufactured from a disposable material substantially fully infused with the appropriate cosmetic product, for example, nail varnish remover, and sealed in a container in multiples or singularly. This results in relatively costly manufacture, since a greater quantity of cosmetic product is applied to the sheet of material than is required. In addition, it is inconvenient for the user if substantially all of the applicator is infused with the cosmetic product, since the user will need to hold the applicator when removed from its packaging. The part of the applicator held by the user's hand will thus transfer cosmetic product to the user's hand, which is obviously undesirable. This is particularly disadvantageous when the product is applied in an area without washing facilities, for example, at sales counters.

[0003] Furthermore, some users prefer to apply some of the cosmetic product to their skin with the hands and merely use the applicator to distribute the product evenly on the skin. This would not be possible if the entire surface of the applicator were infused with the cosmetic product, since application of the applicator to the skin would result in transfer of further product to the skin, thus resulting in uneven application of the cosmetic product. In addition, it would be very difficult to control the amount of cosmetic product transferred from the applicator to the skin, increasing the chances of excessive application of the product.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] It is an object of the invention to overcome the above disadvantages.

[0005] The invention provides a single-use cosmetic applicator as claimed in claim 1.

[0006] In a preferred embodiment of the invention the cosmetic product is located in a sealed bubble pack arranged on the rear surface of the applicator body, so that on bursting of the bubble pack the cosmetic product permeates through the applicator body to the said portion of the front surface. The substantially impermeable membrane is preferably removable from the front surface by peeling to permit use of the cosmetic product.

[0007] In a further preferred embodiment, the cosmetic applicator has a substantially impermeable cover over substantially all of the front surface to protect it from contamination before use. The cover is preferably removable from the front surface by peeling.

[0008] The backing layer serves to protect the applicator and facilitate gripping of the applicator by the user.

[0009] The cosmetic product is preferably arranged substantially centrally of the applicator to aid distribution of the product on the applicator, in use.

[0010] The invention also provides methods of manufacturing a single-use cosmetic applicator as claimed in claims 11 and 16.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing showing a cross-section through a single-use applicator according to the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT

[0012] In the drawing, a cosmetic applicator 1 has an applicator body 2 with a front surface 3 for application of the product and a rear surface 4. A pre-determined quantity of a cosmetic product 5, such as moisturiser, cleanser, toner, make-up, tanning mousse etc., is located substantially centrally of the applicator 1 on the rear surface 4. Migration of the product through the applicator body 2 results in the product also being present on the front surface 3.

[0013] In an alternative embodiment, the cosmetic product 5 is surrounded by a sealable substantially impermeable membrane in the form of a bubble pack (not shown) to prevent migration of the cosmetic product 5. The cosmetic product 5 can be released by the user by bursting the impermeable bubble pack. The bubble pack is arranged on the rear surface 4, so that the product, when released, will reach the front surface 3 by migration through the applicator body 2. The side of the bubble containing the product 5 adjacent the rear surface 4 should thus be weaker than the opposite side of the bubble to ensure that the product is released on the side facing the rear surface 4 to facilitate migration.

[0014] A removable, substantially impermeable cover 6 is arranged across substantially all of the surface 3 to protect it from contaminants such as dust and moisture prior to use of the applicator 1. The cover 6 may be made of polyethylene, or of any other suitable material.

[0015] The applicator body 2 may be made of a polyurethane foam. The grade of the polyurethane foam is selected according to the cosmetic product 5 used. Polyurethane foam could be replaced by any other suitable material, such as polyester non-woven material, nitrile butyl rubber sponge or synthetic rubber sponge.

[0016] The rear surface 4, by which the user holds the applicator 1, is backed with a backing layer 7. The backing layer 7 serves to protect the applicator body 2, the user's hands from cosmetic product 5 and also to facilitate gripping of the applicator 1 by the user. The backing layer 7 may also be provided with a handle (not shown) to improve gripping of the applicator 1. The backing layer 7 may be attached to the surface 4 by means of a heat-seal or adhesive to prevent its removal.

[0017] In the embodiment shown in the drawing a peripheral edge 8 of the backing layer 7 is aligned with a peripheral edge 9 of the cover 6, to which it is attached by means of adhesive or a heat seal. The cover 6 is thus removably attached to the backing layer 7, but not to the surface 3, so that it can be peeled away relatively easily when the applicator 1 is required for use. In an alternative embodiment the cover 6 is attached at its periphery directly to the surface 3.

[0018] In use, the user first removes the cover 6 by peeling it away from either the front surface 3 or the backing layer 7. If there is a bubble pack on the applicator 1 the user then bursts the bubble pack (not shown) to release the cosmetic product 5. If the bubble pack is arranged on the rear surface 4, the user should apply additional pressure to the backing layer 7 to force migration of the cosmetic product 5 through the applicator body 2, so that the product 5 reaches the front surface 3. The cosmetic product 5 can be applied to the skin using the fingertips or by rubbing the surface 3 across the skin. If the cosmetic product 5 is applied using the fingertips, the surface 3 not covered by the cosmetic product can be used to distribute the cosmetic product 5 evenly on the skin.

[0019] The applicator 1 can be manufactured using a variety of methods. In one such method, a pre-determined quantity of the cosmetic product 5 is applied to a sheet of material from which the applicator body 2 is to be cut. The applicator body 2 is cut from the sheet of material. These steps are carried out substantially simultaneously. It is, of course, possible to carry out the steps of applying the cosmetic product 5 to the sheet of material and cutting out the applicator body 2 sequentially. Preferably, the cosmetic product 5 is applied in spaced portions along the sheet of material so that a plurality of applicators 1 can be manufactured simultaneously.

[0020] In an alternative method, a first layer of bubble wrap (not shown) is laid on the material from which the applicator body 2 is to be cut, and the cosmetic product 5 is inserted thereon. A second layer of bubble wrap is sealed thereover to seal the cosmetic product 5 within the bubble wrap. Again, these steps, as well as cutting the applicator body 2 from the material, could be carried out substantially simultaneously. Furthermore, a strip of bubble wrap with spaced portions of cosmetic product 5 could be applied so that a plurality of applicators 1 can be manufactured simultaneously.

[0021] In a further alternative method, a recess (not shown) is cut into the sheet of material and the cosmetic product 5 inserted into the recess before or at the same time as the applicator body 2 is cut out of the material.

[0022] In any of the methods described above, the cover 6 and the backing layer 7 are attached to the applicator 1 prior to or after cutting of the applicator body 2.

[0023] It will, of course, be appreciated that variations may be made to the embodiments of the invention described above. For example, the cover 6 could be provided with perforations around its periphery to facilitate removal from the applicator 1. Alternatively, if means are not be provided for facilitating removal of the cover 6, it could be removed with scissors or a knife.

[0024] The cover 6 could be omitted, particularly if the product is located in bubble pack, and the surface 3 could be protected by storing the applicator 1 in a small bag or box. If a bubble pack is not used, an impermeable layer could be placed over only that portion of the front surface 3 containing the product. Similarly, the backing layer 7 could be omitted.

[0025] The cosmetic product S could be applied directly to the surface 3, so that migration of the product 5 through the applicator body 2 is unnecessary. However, in order to prevent migration of the product 5 across the surface 3, it is preferable to additionally provide a substantially impermeable membrane across the portion of surface 3 containing the product 5. In an alternative embodiment a layer of impermeable membrane containing the product 5 lies on the front surf a and the cover 6 is located thereover so that the cover seals the product 5 on the impermeable membrane to prevent its migration across the surface 3. In a further embodiment, the product 5 could be located in a sealed bag located on the surface 3 or on the surface 4. Alternatively, the cosmetic product 5 is applied to one side of the cover 6 which is then attached directly to the surface 3 with the product 5 therebetween.

[0026] Although the pre-determined quantity of the cosmetic product is located substantially centrally of the applicator 1, it could be located on any portion of the front surface 3. However, a substantially central location improves distribution of the product around the front surface during use, if required.

[0027] Although the applicator 1 described above is for use with products such as make-up, moisturiser etc. it could also be used with medicinal products such as ointments, antiseptic fluids etc. The terms “cosmetic product” and “cosmetic applicator” should be construed accordingly.

[0028] The cover 6 and/or backing layer 7 may carry printed matter, such as instructions for use, trade marks and details of product ingredients.

[0029] It will be seen that the embodiments of the applicator 1 described above will avoid unnecessary waste of the cosmetic product 5 and also leave the majority of the front surface 3 free from contamination by the cosmetic product 5 before the product is used. 

1. A single-use cosmetic applicator having an applicator body with a front surface and a rear surface, wherein the applicator body contains a pre-determined quantity of a cosmetic product extending in use over only a portion of the front surface, and has a removable substantially impermeable membrane covering the cosmetic product on the front surface and a substantially impermeable backing layer on the rear surface.
 2. A single-use cosmetic applicator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cosmetic product is located in a sealed bubble pack arranged on the rear surface of the applicator body, so that on bursting of the bubble pack the cosmetic product permeates through the applicator body to the said portion of the front surface.
 3. A single-use cosmetic applicator as claimed in claim 2, wherein the substantially impermeable membrane is removable from the applicator body surface by peeling.
 4. A single-use cosmetic applicator as claimed in claims 2 or 3, wherein the substantially impermeable cover extends over substantially all of the front surface.
 5. A single-use cosmetic applicator as claimed in claim 4, wherein the cover is removable from the front surface by peeling.
 6. A single-use cosmetic applicator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cosmetic product is located substantially centrally of the cosmetic applicator.
 7. A single-use cosmetic applicator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the applicator body is made of a polyurethane foam.
 8. A single-use cosmetic applicator substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawing.
 9. A method of manufacturing a single-use cosmetic applicator including the steps of applying a pre-determined quantity of a cosmetic product onto a sheet of material from which the applicator is to be cut and cutting an applicator from the sheet of material, so that the cosmetic product is situated over only a portion of the cross-sectional area of the applicator body.
 10. A method as claimed in claim 9, wherein the steps are carried out substantially simultaneously.
 11. A method as claimed in claims 9 or 10, wherein the cosmetic product is applied to the sheet in spaced portions, so that a plurality of cosmetic applicators may be manufactured simultaneously.
 12. A method as claimed in claim 9, further comprising the step of applying a substantially impermeable membrane to the portion of the cosmetic applicator containing the cosmetic product.
 13. A method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the steps are carried out substantially simultaneously.
 14. A method of manufacturing a single-use cosmetic applicator including the steps of inserting a pre-determined quantity of a cosmetic product into a bubble pack on a sheet of material from which a applicator is to be cut, sealing the bubble pack and cutting the applicator from the sheet of material.
 15. A method as claimed in claim 14, wherein the cosmetic material is inserted into the bubble pack in spaced portions, so that a plurality of cosmetic applicators may be manufactured simultaneously.
 16. A method as claimed in claim 9, further comprising the step of applying a substantially impermeable cover to cover substantially all of the front surface.
 17. A method as claimed in claim 9, further comprising the step of applying a substantially impermeable backing layer to a rear side of the cosmetic applicator.
 18. A method substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawing. 